2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$40,470 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the dependable, larger 2025 Nissan Murano and the technologically advanced 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid presents a classic efficiency versus comfort dilemma. The Murano starts at a lower MSRP of $40,470 and offers a more spacious footprint at 192.9 inches long, potentially easing family packing. However, the RAV4 Prime fights back with superior power, boasting 302 hp compared to the Murano's 241 hp, and stunning efficiency gains, achieving 38 combined MPG versus the Murano’s 23 combined MPG. For commuters making long trips, this difference of 15 MPG is substantial, saving money despite the RAV4's initial $4,345 higher cost. Furthermore, the RAV4 offers an essential 42 miles of electric range, something the Murano cannot match, making daily local driving potentially gas-free.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid wins due to its exceptional 38 combined MPG and 42 miles of electric range, drastically reducing fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano is slightly longer at 192.9 inches and has a marginally larger cargo hold at 32.9 cu ft, making it a more accommodating traditional hauler.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 generates significantly more power with 302 hp and features All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a $4,345 higher MSRP, the RAV4's massive fuel savings (15 MPG advantage) and potential for zero-emission driving offer better long-term value.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, starting at $40,470.
You need the marginally larger exterior dimensions (192.9 inches length) for highway presence.
You prefer the traditional feel and simpler operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your daily commute falls under the 42 miles of electric range to maximize fuel savings.
You need the extra performance provided by 302 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, as 38 combined MPG significantly outpaces the Murano's 23 combined MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	192.9"	180.9"
Width	78.0"	73.0"
Height	67.9"	67.0"
Wheelbase	111.2"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	—
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	47.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	225/60R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the practical difference in daily driving costs between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV is vastly cheaper to run daily, offering 38 combined MPG and a 42-mile electric range. The 2025 Nissan Murano only achieves 23 combined MPG, meaning you will be stopping for gas much more often.

Is the Nissan Murano actually bigger inside than the RAV4 PHEV?

Yes, slightly. The Murano has a length of 192.9 inches compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches. This translates to a slightly larger available cargo capacity of 32.9 cu ft in the Murano versus 33.5 cu ft in the RAV4? Wait, the RAV4 actually has slightly more cargo space at 33.5 cu ft despite being physically shorter overall.

Which vehicle offers better acceleration and handling characteristics?

The RAV4 PHEV wins on raw power with 302 hp, giving it quicker acceleration than the Murano's 241 hp. Additionally, the RAV4 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, generally offering better traction.

How much more fuel-efficient is the RAV4 compared to the Murano?

The difference is significant; the RAV4 PHEV gets 38 combined MPG, while the Murano achieves 23 combined MPG. That is a 15 MPG advantage for the Toyota, which saves substantial money over a year of driving.

Does the price difference justify choosing the Murano over the Plug-In Hybrid?

The Murano is $4,345 less expensive upfront. However, given the RAV4's superior efficiency and the potential to drive many miles solely on electricity, many buyers will recoup that difference through fuel savings quickly.

Are both vehicles set up primarily for front-wheel drive?

No, the 2025 Nissan Murano comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better grip in poor weather.